Insect collection device

ABSTRACT

An insect collection device comprises, in one embodiment, a compression chamber movable between compressed and uncompressed positions, an elongated housing defining a housing interior, a partition, and a movable closure. The partition separates the interior into upstream and downstream regions and is constructed to permit airflow between these regions while impeding passage of insects therebetween. The movable closure is disposed on a free end portion of the housing and moves between a first position hindering access to the upstream region and a second position creating an entryway into the upstream region. The movable closure is preferably biased into the first position and is only urged into the second position upon actuation of the compression chamber from the compressed position to an uncompressed position such that insects in a vicinity of the free end are drawn into the upstream region for collection.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of insectcollection and/or removal. More particularly, the present inventionconcerns an insect collection device which may be manually actuated todraw insects into an interior region for collection or extermination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Insects are among the most industrious animals on Earth, capableof living in almost any land habitat. Nearly one million species ofinsects are known to exist, many of which serve industrially beneficialuses in the ecosystem, while others are capable of destroying crops,trees, and houses and even carry harmful diseases such as malaria.Insects also provide a source of enjoyment or entertainment for somewhose hobby is their collection, and others who keep insects as pets bymaintaining ant farms, beehives and the like. Perhaps for most others,however, insects are considered pests that bite or sting and appear inunwanted places such as homes, offices, restaurants, and the like.

[0003] Many different types of pest control products are available toalleviate such nuisances. For example, topical skin creams and sprayshelp deter insects from stinging or biting. Similarly, insecticides areused by many in homes and other indoor areas to help prevent insectsfrom entering. However, while these types of treatments may temporarilylessen the nuisance attributed to insects, they are generallyineffective at alleviating the problem in its entirety.

[0004] When insects enter indoor areas, many are likely to remove orexterminate them. Depending on the extent of the problem, it may benecessary to consult a certified exterminator to alleviate the problem.Perhaps the most common, and simplest way of killing and removing aninsect, however, is through the use of a flyswatter or other crudeconcoction such as a rolled-up newspaper. Commercially availableflyswatters are both practical and inexpensive and typically have a longhandle for reaching insects that have alighted from high or hard toreach areas. Though simple and efficient, the drawback to these types oftechniques is the unsightly remnants of the insects which are leftbehind on walls or windows, necessitating an additional clean-up stepfor the individual. Other known insect extermination techniques includeflypaper and “bug lights” which serve to both attract and kill theflying insect. These types of devices, however, also have certaindrawbacks that make their use indoors impractical because they are onlyefficient at killing insects in designated locations and also requiresubsequent removal of the exterminated pests.

[0005] Vacuum cleaners provide an attractive alternative to theaforementioned devices and have long been used to assist in the removalor extermination of insects. Vacuum cleaners typically do not presentthe individual with an additional clean-up step and provide a moresanitary and practical approach to removing insects from indoor areas.Vacuum cleaners are also more capable in removing insects due to the useof various attachments that extend the reach of the hose, narrow orwiden the extent of the vacuum area, or provide special shapes thatallow easy use for certain areas. Some attachments have beenspecifically designed to make the vacuum cleaner a more efficient toolfor removing insects. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,095 to Aasen;U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,329 to Shores, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,331 to Wardeach disclose attachments made for use with vacuum cleaners for thedistinct purpose of capturing and removing insects.

[0006] While the collection of insects with a vacuum cleaner does notinvolve some of the uncleanly aspects of other conventional approaches,it too is not without certain disadvantages. For example, the length ofan electrical cord or the length of the hose will limit the reach ofmany vacuum cleaners. Also, some vacuum cleaners can be cumbersome andawkward to maneuver, presenting a precarious situation for an operatorrequiring the use of a chair or a ladder to reach the insect. Finally,many vacuum cleaners have such a strong vacuum effect that the insect iskilled once it is contained within the bag or other capturing device,such that these types of devices are not an attractive alternative forthose individuals who want to capture insects for collection purposes.

[0007] There are several types of insect collection devices that havebeen designed to remedy some of these drawbacks. For example, U.S. Pat.No. 5,175,960 and related U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,598, both to Wade,disclose a collection device designed as a handheld battery operatedvacuum. Although this device is not as cumbersome as some vacuumcleaners, or limited by the length of an electrical cord, its relianceon batteries to generate the necessary vacuum creates a differentdisadvantage. In addition to adding a separate expense, batteries have alimited useful life requiring that they be replaced or recharged toproperly operate the device. As the battery begins to expire, it becomesless capable of capturing the insects. Since the operator may not beaware of the battery's power, the device is less dependable, and capableof failure at an inopportune time. Another example is U.S. Pat. No.4,733,495 to Winnicki that discloses a handheld device wherein theinsect is drawn into the device by means of a vacuum. Although thisdevice is not dependent upon a separate power source, the vacuum isgenerated by the movement of a tube from a retracted position to anextended position. This requires the operator to ascertain theappropriate distance from which to hold the device from the insect to becaptured. As a result, if the device is used incorrectly, the forwardthrusting of the tube can potentially cause damage to walls, glass, orother surfaces on which the insect is found.

[0008] Accordingly, there remains a need to provide a new design andconstruction for an insect removal device that is easy to hold, does notrequire the an external power source, and that effectively captures theinsect such that it does not escape. There is a further need to providea design and construction for an insect removal device that is portable,easy to use and easy to manufacture and maintain. The present inventionis directed to meeting these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new anduseful device for the collection and/or removal of insects It is anotherobject of the present invention to provide an insect collection devicethat uses a vacuum effect created by manual actuation to draw in andtrap insects.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insectcollection device which is adaptable for use in hard to reach areas,such as crevices and other small enclosures, while alleviating thecleanup mess associated with known techniques.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aninsect collection device that is lightweight, reusable, easy to use, andprovides a sanitary way of collecting and removing insects for use inindoor areas.

[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to provide aninsect collection device with a viewing area to give the operator theability view the captured insects, and to determine when the deviceneeds to be cleaned.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide aninsect collection device that is easy to clean because it can bedisassembled.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide aninsect collection device having a mechanism capable of trapping thecollected insect so as to prevent the insect from escaping thecollection area.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide aninsect collection device that is relatively inexpensive and easy tomanufacture and inexpensive to purchased.

[0016] In accordance with these objectives, an insect collection devicecomprises a compression chamber operatively movable between compressedand uncompressed positions. An elongated housing extends from thecompression chamber a selected distance to terminate in a free end todefine a housing interior. A partition separates the housing interiorinto a first/upstream region that is proximate to the free end andnon-adhering to insects, and a second/downstream region proximate to thecompression chamber. The partition is constructed to permit air to flowbetween the upstream and downstream regions while impeding the passageof insects therebetween. A movable closure is disposed on a free endportion of the housing and moves between a first (closed) position tohinder access to the upstream region from the free end and a second(open) position to create an entryway into the upstream region from thefree end. The movable closure is biased into the first (closed) positionand adapted upon movement of the compression chamber from theuncompressed position to the compressed position to remain in the firstposition. Upon movement of the compression chamber from the compressedposition to an uncompressed position, the movable closure is urged intothe second (open) position such that insects in a vicinity of the firstend are drawn into the upstream region for collection.

[0017] Preferably, the compression chamber is in fluid communicationwith the downstream region of the housing and is also operative whenmoved from the uncompressed position to the compressed position to ejectair from the housing interior, preferably at a location other thanthrough the housing's free end, and to create a vacuum within thehousing interior when allowed to move from the compressed position tothe uncompressed position. To this end, a purge valve may be movablydisposed over a purge opening in the housing's sidewall so that air canescape the housing interior through the purge opening.

[0018] The insect collection device of the present invention alsopreferably includes a triggering assembly that is operative when placedin an engaged state to retain the compression chamber in the compressedposition, and when moved from the engaged state to a disengaged state,to allow the compression chamber to return to the uncompressed position.To this end, the triggering assembly may include a plunger shaft movablewith the compression chamber between a retracted position when thecompression chamber is in the uncompressed position and an armedposition when the compression chamber is in the compressed position. Thetriggering assembly further includes a trigger switch operative toengagedly retain the plunger shaft in the armed position, thereby todefine the engaged state for the triggering assembly, and to releasefrom the plunger shaft to allow the compression chamber to move from thecompressed position to the uncompressed position, thereby to define thedisengaged state for the triggering assembly. The plunger shaftpreferably has its proximal end connected to a butt end of thecompression chamber and extends from the proximal end into the housinginterior to terminate at a distal end. The trigger switch is resilientlybiased into engagement with a notch when the plunger shaft is in thearmed position. This notch may be formed as a region of reducedthickness along a medial portion of the plunger shaft. Where atriggering assembly is provided, the housing is preferably formed toinclude a trigger guard which projects on opposite sides of a triggerbutton that is coupled to the trigger switch.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the insectcollection device comprises a tubular housing and a compression chamberas discussed above, as well as a collection member releaseably disposedon the housing's second end. The collection member may include acollection tube adapted to releasably attach to the housing's upstreamend portion and having an associated outer surrounding sidewall whichsurrounds a collection region. A partition, as discussed above, isdisposed within the collection tube to permit airflow between thecollection region and the housing interior, while impeding the passageof insects therebetween. Preferably, the collection tube has acircumferential groove formed therein, with the partition formed as ascreen mesh seated against this groove and tapered in the upstreamdirection toward the central longitudinally axis of the collection tube.With the exception of the primary housing section which supports thevarious components of the triggering assembly, etc., it is alsopreferred that the remaining upstream tubular sections of the insectcollection device be transparent to allow for viewing of insects trappedtherein.

[0020] A closure, such as discussed above, is disposed on an upstreamend of the collection tube and moves between an open orientation wherebyinsects can be drawn into the collection region and a closed orientationto prohibit insects from entering into the collection region. Theclosure may be formed by a pair of trap doors that are each springbiased closed. Alternatively, the movable closure may include an annularring which is sized and adapted to fit over the collection tube, and aplurality of closure flaps each having an attached portion secured to awebbing and a free portion to allow the closure flaps to swing about theattached portion as the compression chamber moves from the compressedposition to the uncompressed position.

[0021] In either of the above embodiments, it is preferred that thehousing be selectively extensible to vary an effective length thereof,and that the selected distance between the compression chamber and thefree end of the housing not change during operation. To this end, thehousing extends along an central longitudinal axis and includes aplurality of tubular housing sections that are matable with one anotherso that the effective length of the housing may be varied. Among thesetubular housing sections is preferably a primary housing section that isreleaseably attached to the compression chamber and formed by a pair ofprimary housing pieces that are matable with one another. Thecompression chamber, which may be in the form of a flexible bellows, isattached to this primary housing section such as by a securement clamp.Where a plurality of tubular housing sections are provided, the movableclosure is disposed on a terminal, upstream one of these tubular housingsections.

[0022] These and other objects of the present invention will become morereadily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the insect collection deviceaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, andshowing the device in the relaxed state;

[0024]FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of the insect collection device ofFIG. 1(a) and showing it in a ready state;

[0025]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the insect collectiondevice of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) to show the various tubular housingsections thereof;

[0026]FIG. 3(a) is a partial right side view in elevation and incross-section of the insect collection device when it is in the relaxedstate;

[0027]FIG. 3(b) is a partial right side view in elevation and incross-section view of the insect collection device when it is in theready state;

[0028]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the insect collectiondevice's primary housing section and its internal triggering assembly;

[0029] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are each perspective views of the primaryhousing section's left housing piece;

[0030] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are each perspective views of the primaryhousing section's right housing piece;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a side view in elevation and in cross-section of one ofthe housing's tubular sections;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a side view in elevation and in cross-section of anotherof the housing's tubular sections;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a side view in elevation and in cross-section of thehousing's collection tube section;

[0034]FIG. 10(a) is a side view in cross-section and in elevation of thehousing's tubular sections in an assembled state;

[0035]FIG. 10(b) is a side view in cross-section and in elevation of twoof the housing's tubular sections shown fully telescoped;

[0036] FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are cross-sectional views showing anupstream end portion of the insect collection device when the closuremember is in the closed position and open position, respectively;

[0037] FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are perspective views showing the upstreamend portion of the insect collection device when the closure member isin the closed position and open position, respectively;

[0038] FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are upstream end views of the closuremember when it is in the closed position and open position,respectively;

[0039]FIG. 14 is a right side view in elevation and in cross-section ofthe insect collection device's compression chamber;

[0040]FIG. 15 is an end view in elevation of the insect collectiondevice's securement clamp;

[0041]FIG. 16 is a left side view in elevation and in cross-section ofthe insect collection device's bellows pad;

[0042]FIG. 17 is a enlarged perspective view of the insect collectiondevice's first plunger shaft bearing guide;

[0043]FIG. 18 is a enlarged perspective view of the insect collectiondevice's second plunger shaft bearing guide;

[0044]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the insect collection device'strigger switch;

[0045]FIG. 20 is a side view in elevation of the insect collectiondevice's purge valve;

[0046] FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) are each perspective views of the insectcollection device's purge valve ring;

[0047]FIG. 22 is a right side view in elevation of an insect collectiondevice according to the second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0048]FIG. 23 is a right side view in elevation and in cross-sectionshowing an upstream region for the insect collection device of FIG. 22;

[0049]FIG. 24 is a right side view in elevation and in cross-section ofone of the housing's tubular sections;

[0050]FIG. 25 is a right side view in elevation of another of thehousing's tubular sections;

[0051]FIG. 26 is a right side view in elevation and in cross-section ofthe tubular section of FIG. 25;

[0052]FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate the screenmount's attachment to the tubular section of FIG. 24;

[0053]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the primary housing section'sright housing piece in the second exemplary embodiment;

[0054]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the primary housing section'sleft housing piece in the second exemplary embodiment;

[0055]FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate theattachment of the collection nozzle to the tubular sections of FIGS. 25and 26;

[0056]FIG. 31 is a somewhat enlarged perspective view of the collectionnozzle's left piece;

[0057]FIG. 32 is a somewhat enlarged perspective view of the collectionnozzle's right piece;

[0058]FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view to illustrate the mountingof the closure member's trap doors to the collection nozzle;

[0059]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a representative one the closuremember's trap doors;

[0060]FIG. 35 is an enlarged perspective view of a representative one ofthe spring clasps for use in attaching the trap door of FIG. 34 in themanner shown in FIG. 33;

[0061]FIG. 36 is an cross-sectional view in elevation of the screenmount;

[0062]FIG. 37 is a right side view in elevation of an insect collectiondevice according to a third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention and showing portions thereof in phantom; and

[0063]FIG. 38 is a right side view in elevation and in partialcross-section showing an insect collection device according to a fourthexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0064] The present invention, as shown and described with reference tothe exemplary embodiments herein, eliminates the known drawbacks foundin the prior art by providing an insect collection device that is easyto operate, requires no external power sources, and provides for easymanufacture and maintenance. The invention also provides an improvedsolution for the collection of live insects, as well as a means forexterminating captured insects. Referring more particularly to thedrawings, a first exemplary embodiment of the insect collection device10 of the present invention is introduced in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). Insectcollection device 10 is in the form of a hand operated mechanism whichcan be placed in close proximity to a target insect and manuallyactuated to draw the target insect into a collection region through asuctioning effect. As shown in these figures, insect collection device10 comprises an elongated and generally tubular housing 20, a movableclosure 50 and a compression chamber 70. Housing 20 extends about ahousing interior along a central longitudinal axis “L” from a firstupstream end 22 to terminate in a second downstream end 24. Movableclosure 50 is disposed on an upstream end portion of housing 20, whilecompression chamber 70 is disposed on a downstream end portion ofhousing 20. As will be discussed in greater detail below, movableclosure 50 is operative to move between a first (closed) positionwherein insects in a vicinity of the upstream end 22 are prevented fromentering into the housing's interior, to a second (open) position whichcreates an entryway into the upstream interior region of housing 20. Ascompression chamber 70 is selectively moved between an uncompressedposition (FIG. 1(a)) and a compressed position (FIG. 1(b)), thiscontrols the orientation of movable closure 50.

[0065] In order to allow collection of insects in hard to reach areas,housing 20 is preferably an extensible member so that an effectivelength thereof may be selectively varied. To this end, housing 20 mayinclude a plurality of plastic tubular sections 30-33 that are matablewith one another so that the effective length of housing 20 may bevaried. More particularly, housing 20 in this first exemplary embodimentincludes a primary housing section 30, first and second extension tubesections 31 and 32 and a collection tube 33. Tubes 31-33 are shown inFIGS. 7-9, respectively.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 2, first extension tube section 31 has acircular cross section and is telescopically received over an upstreamend portion of primary housing section 30 and retained there byfrictional engagement. An upstream end of first extension tube 31 isprovided with an inner circumferential ridge 34 so that when it istelescopically received over a downstream end portion of secondextension tube 32, as shown in FIG. 10(a), and the effective length oftube sections 31 and 32 is increased, as shown in FIG. 10(b), ridge 34is captured in an outer circumferential groove 35 formed in secondextension tube 32 to prevent inadvertent separation during use. Alsoprovided on second extension tube 32 is a circumferential O-ring seat 28which receives an O-ring 29 to provide for a sealed engagement betweentube sections 31 and 32. An upstream end portion of second extensiontube 32 may then be telescopically received within collection tube 33 toform the extensible set of extension sections.

[0067] The construction of collection tube 33 may be appreciated withreference to FIGS. 2 and 9. Collection tube 33 may also be a tubularplastic piece having a circular cross-section that is formed to includeinner and outer circumferential ridges 44 and 45, respectively. Disposedwithin collection tube 33 is a partition, preferably in the form of amesh screen 36 which tapers in the upstream direction. Mesh screen 36 isconstructed of an appropriate material, such as an integrally moldedplastic piece or stamped aluminum, and preferably includes an annularring 37 which is sandwiched between inner circumferential groove 44 andthe upstream end of extension tube 32 when the device is assembled.Attached to annular ring 37 is a meshing 39 which is impervious toinsects. Mesh screen 36 is sized and adapted to be press fit intocollection tube 36 so that it does not dislodge once insects arecollected and the collection tube is removed.

[0068] Movable closure 50 in the first exemplary embodiment of theinsect collection device 10 of the present invention is formed as an endcap that is disposed over an upstream end portion of collection tube 33.Movable closure 50 is maintained on collection tube 33 by a snap-fitengagement. To this end, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), movableclosure 50 includes an annular ring section 49 provided with a lip thatis sized and adapted to engage an annular recess 47 formed in collectiontube 33 adjacent to outer circumferential ridge 45. As such, movableclosure 50 fits snuggly over the upstream end portion of collection tube33 to prevent dislodgment during use. Once the insect collection device10 is in the assembled state, as shown in various ones of the figures,mesh screen 36 forms a partition which separates the housing interior 26into an upstream insect collection region 25 (FIG. 10), generallydefined within collection tube 33 between mesh screen 36 and movableclosure 50, and a downstream region 27 that is to the left of meshscreen 36 in the figures. The upstream region of the housing, whereinsects are to be collected, is preferably non-adhering to insects. Tothis end, and as apparent from the various figures, the inner sidewallin the collection region is devoid of any tacky substance which wouldotherwise stick to captured insects. Rather, this inner sidewall area issmooth.

[0069] The remainder of the movable closure's construction, and itsability to assume open and closed orientations can now be betterappreciated with reference to FIGS. 12(a), 12(b), 13(a) and 13(b).Secured to the annular ring 49 of closure member 50 are a plurality ofequiangularly spaced-apart closure flaps 51. Each of closure flaps 51 isa generally triangular and wedge-shaped member having two vertices 52and 53 secured to an inner surface of annular ring 49 and a free vertex54. Preferably, movable closure 50 is a one-piece molded plasticconstruction which has been die cut to form the closure flaps 51. Whenthe closure flaps 51 are in the closed position (FIGS. 12(a) and 13(a)),they resemble a hub and spoke arrangement so that they essentially closeoff access to the collection region 25 from its upstream end. When inthe closed orientation, and as perhaps best shown in FIG. 11(a), bentportions 55 of vertices 54 come together. However, when the vacuumeffect is created by insect collection device 10, such that the pressurewithin the collection region 25 and the housing interior 26 is less thanambient pressure, closure flaps 51 are caused to fan out from oneanother as shown in FIGS. 11(b), 12(b) and 13(b) into the open positionthereby providing an entryway into the collection region 25 as targetinsect(s) are drawn in. After this happens, and the pressure begins toequalize, closure flaps 51 return to the closed position.

[0070] As shown in various one of the figures, compression chamber 70 ispreferably in the form of a flexible bellows having a plurality ofhinged ribs 72 joined together in an accordion-like manner so thatcompression chamber 70 can be moved between the uncompressed positionand the compressed position. Because a vacuum effect is created in orderto effectively capture insects in a vicinity of the housing's upstreamend 22, it is preferred to securely attach compression chamber 70 to thedownstream end portion 24 of housing 20. To this end, and as shown inFIG. 14, the compression chamber's bellows structure is provided with anupstream neck 73 which is sized and adapted to be placed over the secondend portion of housing 20. A securement clamp 74 (FIG. 15) is formed asa metallic ring that is sized to be placed over the compressionchamber's neck 73 once the neck is received over the housing's first endportion. Securement clamp 74 is provided at one end thereof with a screw75 which is adapted to threadedly engage a cooperative socket 76 formedon an opposing circumferential end of the securement clamp 74, as knownin the art. In this manner, the tendency for the compression chamber 70to become detached from the housing 20 upon use of insect collectiondevice 10 is reduced. However, the ordinarily skilled artisan shouldreadily appreciate that compression chamber 70 could be attached tohousing 20 in a variety of different manners other than that describedherein. In any event, though, it is preferred that compression chamber70 be capable of securely, yet releaseably, attaching to the housing 20so that the insect collection device 10 may be easily cleaned andreassembled as desired.

[0071] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) respectively show insect collection device 10in a relaxed configuration wherein compression chamber 70 is in theuncompressed position, and a ready configuration wherein compressionchamber 70 is in the compressed position. As may also be seen in thesefigures, insect collection device 10 includes a triggering assembly 80which is mechanically coupled to compression chamber 70 and is operativewhen placed in an engaged state (FIG. 3(b)) to retain compressionchamber 70 in the compressed position. Triggering assembly 80 is alsooperative upon activation by a user to move from the engaged state to adisengaged state (FIG. 3(a)) and thereby allow compression chamber 70 toreturn to the uncompressed position. Triggering assembly 80 broadlyincludes a metallic plunger shaft 84 that is movable with compressionchamber 70 between a retracted position when compression chamber 70 inthe uncompressed position, and an armed position when compressionchamber 70 is in the compressed position.

[0072] Triggering assembly 80 also includes a trigger button 86 and itsassociated trigger switch 82 which operates to engagedily retain plungershaft 84 in the armed position. Plunger shaft 84 is disposed entirelywithin insect collection device 10 and travels longitudinally along itscentral longitudinal axis “L”. A proximal end 83 of plunger shaft 84 issecured to the butt end 77 of compression chamber 70 via a fasteningscrew 42 which extends through a pair of spaced-apart metallic washers41 and 43 as well as a central bore 85 (FIG. 14) formed in thedownstream end of bellows 70, such that a portion of the bellows issandwiched therebetween. A corresponding bore (not shown) is also formedin the proximal end portion of plunger shaft 84 so that fastening screw42 may be threadedly received therein. A resilient bellows pad 66 isthen attached, such as via an acrylic adhesive, to the recess formed inthe downstream end of compression chamber 70. As shown in FIG. 16,bellows pad 66 is provided with concentric cylindrical cut-outs 65 and67 which are, respectively, sized and adapted to accommodate the head offastening screw 42 and washer 41. As such, bellows pad 66 provides acushioned contact surface for a user's palm as he/she manually urgescompression chamber 70 in the direction of the enlarged arrow in FIG.3(b) so that it moves into the compressed position.

[0073] Plunger shaft 84 extends from its proximal end within the housinginterior 26 along central longitudinal axis “L” to terminate at aplunger shaft distal end. A pair of longitudinally spaced apart plungershaft bearing guides 60 and 62 are fixedly disposed relative to primaryhousing section 30 and serve to both rigidify the internal assemblageand provide guide ways for plunger shaft 84 as it travels in thelongitudinal direction. First plunger shaft bearing 60 is shown in FIG.17 as an integral plastic construction which includes a collar 54 whichis concentric with a tubular section 56 and joined thereto by aplurality of equiangularly spaced apart fins 58. When in the assembledstate, fins 58 are orientated so that they converge toward longitudinalaxis “L” in the downstream direction. Tubular section 56 provides afirst passageway through which plunger shaft 84 is received. Whenassembled, a first coiled compression spring 6 is seated between washer43 and a downstream facing surface 57 of first plunger shaft bearingguide 60 in order to bias compression chamber 70 into the uncompressedstate.

[0074] Second plunger shaft bearing guide 62 is also fixedly disposedwithin primary housing section 30 upstream of trigger switch 82 and, asshown in FIG. 18, also includes an associated collar 61, tubular section63 and fins 64, such that associated tubular section 63 provides asecond passageway for a corresponding portion of plunger shaft 84. Asecond compression spring 8 is disposed for compression between anupstream end 69 of second plunger shaft bearing guide 62 and a metallicwasher 81 that is attached to the upstream end of plunger shaft 84 viaan appropriate fastening screw 67. Second compression spring 8 servesthe purpose of preventing the upstream end of plunger shaft 84 fromtraveling in the downstream direction beyond second plunger shaftbearing guide 62 as the plunger shaft moves from the armed position tothe retracted position.

[0075] Trigger switch 82 is also disposed within housing interior 26 andextends transversely to longitudinal axis “L”. The construction oftrigger switch 82 is shown in FIG. 19 and an integral piece having acentral annular portion 87 provided with a lobe-shaped opening 88 and apair of oppositely projecting legs 89 and 90. Lobe-shaped opening 88 hasan enlarged region 88′ which is sized and adapted to accommodate thelarger cross-section region of plunger shaft 84, and a reduced region88″ which is sized and adapted to accommodate a medial portion 85 ofplunger shaft 84 that is of reduced thickness. As also shown in FIG. 19,lower leg 90 of trigger switch 86 has a tapered end 91 to facilitatemovement of the trigger switch 86 during use.

[0076] Having discussed various aspects of the general construction forinsect collection device 10, the assemblage thereof can now be betterappreciated. Conveniently, primary housing section 30 is formed, asshown in FIGS. 5(a)-6(b), by matable pairs of primary housing pieces 28and 29 to facilitate the assembly process. Each of these pieces 28 and29 has an outwardly flared downstream portion 31 and 31′, respectively,so that when they are assembled housing section 30 has a generallyconical portion sized and adapted to accommodate the neck 72 ofcompression chamber 70 and first bearing guide 60. Once the plungershaft's proximal end has been fastened to the butt end of thecompression chamber, and the bellows pad adhered to the compressionchamber 70, the remainder of the assemblage can proceed as follows.Plunger shaft 84 can then be passed through first compression spring 6and first plunger shaft bearing guide 60 so that first compressionspring 6 is seated between washer 43 and seat 57. Then, the plungershaft 84 is passed through the lobe-like opening 88 of trigger switch 82as well as second plunger shaft guide bearing 62 and second compressionspring 8. As appreciated with references to FIGS. 4 through 6(b),primary housing section pieces 28 and 29 are then appropriatelypositioned about this internal assemblage so that the collar 54 of firstplunger shaft bearing guide 60 is aligned with opposed arcuate grooves44 and 44′ formed in housing pieces 28 and 29, respectively. Similarly,second plunger shaft bearing guide 62 is appropriately positioned sothat its collar 61 is aligned with opposed arcuate grooves 45 and 45′. Atriggering spring 87 is then placed over lower trigger arm 90 andtrigger button 86 is placed over upper arm 89. This sub-assemblage isthen positioned so that lower arm 90 is seated within corresponding cutout sections 46 and 46′ formed in housing piece sections 28 and 29,respectively, while the cap of trigger button 86 is passed throughopposed arcuate cut outs 47 and 47′ until the brim of trigger button 86is resiliently urged into contact with the inner surfaces of pieces 28and 29 by virtue of the restorative force of triggering spring 87. Apurge valve 78 (FIG. 20) is then passed through its associated purgevalve ring 79 (FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) that has a hub and spoke-likeconstruction. The purge valve ring 79 is then positioned within purgevalve seat portions 48 and 48′ formed in pieces 28 and 29, respectively.

[0077] Once the internal triggering assembly 80 is assembled andpositioned, such as in the manner discussed above, opposed primaryhousing section pieces 28 and 29 can then be mated with one another bypress fitting them together such that the various alignment holes 12associated with left housing piece 28 register with correspondinglypositioned nubs 14 formed in second piece 29. Pieces 28 and 29 may thenbe securely fastened together with securement screws 16 which threadedlyengage aligned openings 18 and 18′ formed in pieces 28 and 29,respectively. The neck 73 of bellows 70 can then be placed over collarsections 48 and 48′ associated with first and second pieces 28 and 29,respectively, and thereafter secured through the use of the securementclamp 74 as discussed above. As desired, one or more tubular extensionscan then be selectively attached to primary housing section 30, as wellas the assembled collection member 50 as also discussed hereinabove.

[0078] Once assembled, insect collection device 10 is ready for use. Inoperation, an individual prepares insect collection device 10 for use bygrasping primary housing section 30 with one of his/her hands. Knurlingand finger recesses are provided for added comfort. Using the palm ofhis/her other hand, the user then compress bellows 70 against therestorative force of spring 6 into the compressed position of FIG. 1(b).This causes a corresponding movement of plunger shaft 84 in the upstreamdirection until the notched medial portion 85 of plunger shaft 84 whichhas a reduced thickness begins to pass through lobe-like opening 88 oftrigger switch 82. The upward bias on trigger spring 87 then urgeslobe-like opening 88 into contact with medial portion 85 so that medialportion 85 is seated within lower lobe portion 88″ of trigger 82. Duringthis compression, air escapes through the purge valve 78 in thedirection of arrows “A” in FIG. 3(b). This allows the insect collectiondevice 10 to be placed in the armed state without pressurizing theinterior and without causing movable closure 50 to be inadvertentlyplaced in the open position. The user can then relieve pressure onbellows 70 and the restorative force of spring 6 urges the shoulder ofplunger shaft 84 into engagement with arm 90. At this point, insectcollection device 10 is in a ready state with triggering assembly 80correspondingly in an engaged position.

[0079] Once the user approaches a target insect whereby the upstream end22 of housing 20 is positioned in close proximity to the target insect,the user depresses trigger button 86, thereby dislodging trigger 82 frommedial portion 85. Trigger guards 19 and 19′ are provided on housingpieces 28 and 29 to help prevent inadvertent activation of the deviceprior to use. The restorative force of spring 6 then causes a vacuumeffect within the housing interior as compression chamber 70 returns tothe uncompressed state along with the corresponding movement of plungershaft 84 to the retracted position. This vacuum effect urges closure 50into the open position and, at the same time, draws the target insectinto collection tube 33. As the suctioning effect reduces and thepressure within housing interior 26 begins to equalize with the ambientpressure, closure 50 is restored to its closed position, therebyconfining the captured insect within collection tube 33 between screen36 and closure 50. At this point, if desired, the process can berepeated to capture additional insects which can be viewed throughcollection tube 33 by virtue of its transparency.

[0080] A second exemplary embodiment of the insect collection device ofthe present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.22-36. Insect collection device 110 is generally introduced in FIG. 22and, as with insect collection device 10 discussed above, comprises ahousing 120, a movable closure 150, a compression chamber 170 and atriggering assembly 180. Insect collection device 110 is constructedsimilarly to insect collection device 10 discussed above, with theexception that its upstream portion is somewhat different. Accordingly,only those portions of insect collection device 110 which differ fromthat discussed above with reference to the first exemplary embodimentwill be described.

[0081] The upstream portion of insect collection device 110, when in thefully assembled state, is shown in FIG. 23. Housing 120 includes a pairof tubular and telescopically received housing sections 130 and 140. Asshown in FIG. 24, first tubular housing section 130 is provided with aninner circumferential ridge 138 at its upstream end. As shown in FIG.25, second tubular housing section 140 is provided with an outercircumferential groove 142 and an outer circumferential ridge 144 alongits downstream end portion so that when first tubular section 130 istelescopically received over second tubular section 140 as shown in FIG.23, ridge 144 provides a limit stop for the extensible set as they aretelescopically extended to their full length wherein it comes intocontact with inner circumferential ridge 138. Also as before, an O-ring143 is seated within outer circumferential groove 142 to provide asealed engagement between the two housing sections. In this regard, theconstruction of the upstream portion of insect collection device 110 issimilar to that discussed above with reference to the first embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, however, the two pieces 121 and 122of primary housing section 120 have their upstream ends constructedsomewhat differently. Namely, these upstream ends 123 and 124 areenlarged and, respectively, provided with grooved portions 125 and 126so that a screen mount 160 can be seated therein when insect collectiondevice 110 is in the assembled state. With reference again to FIG. 23,screen mount 160 is formed to include a screen profile which supports atapered mesh screen 138 that is impervious to insects as they are drawninto collection region 125. The construction of the various pieces forthe screen mounting sub-assembly may be best appreciated with referenceto FIGS. 27 and 36. Screen mount 160 has a generally cylindrical mainbody provided with a generally circuitous brim 162 which is sized andadapted to engage grooved portions 125 and 126, respectively, of housingpieces 121 and 122 when in a mounted state so that screen mount 160 isfixedly positioned within an interior of insect collection device 110. Aplurality of converging support posts 164 project from an opposing endof the main body of screen mount 160 to form the screen mount. Posts 164supportably position a prong element 166. It should be noted that screenmount 160 is preferably constructed as a unitary piece of plasticmaterial. A pre-formed, tapered mesh screen 138 having an aperture (notshown) is then sized and adapted to be placed over prong element 166 sothat it drapes over these support posts 164. Screen 138 is held in thisposition by a notched clip mount 141.

[0083] A downstream end portion of tubular section 130 is attached toscreen mount 160 via snap fit engagement prior to being clamped betweenprimary housing pieces 121 and 122. More particularly, tubular section130 is formed to include a pair of opposed arcuate cut outs 136 so thatwhen a user grasps screen mount 160, finger tabs 161 thereof may bealigned with cut outs 136 to allow screen mount 160 to be inserted intotubular section 130. Thereafter, the user can then grasp cross piece 163and press fit screen mount 160 into engagement with tubular section 130whereby protrusions 165 snap into engagement with corresponding notches134 formed on an inner surface of tubular section 130. With referenceagain to FIG. 23, screen mount 160 can be easily ejected from tubularsection 130 by driving inner telescoping tubular section 140 in thedownstream direction to separate the engagement of protrusions 165 fromnotches 134.

[0084] A bayonet connection is employed to fixedly mount movable closure150 to nozzle section 180. As shown in FIG. 30, second tubular section140 is also provided with a pair of opposed protrusions 146 which arealignable with channels 182 associated with nozzle 180, whereby thetubular portion of nozzle 180 can be inserted within second tubularsection 140 and rotated so that protrusions 146 become locked intonotches 184 associated with nozzle 180. A compressible ring 170 may alsobe placed over nozzle 180 so that it is seated within collar 186 toprovide a sealed engagement between nozzle 180 and an inner sidewallsurface 145 of second tubular section 140 when they are mated.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 31-33, nozzle 180 is formed by a pair ofmatable pieces 181 and 191 which mount movable closure 150. Referencewill now be made to FIGS. 31-35 to describe the mounting assembly formovable closure 150. Movable closure 150 includes a pair of trap doors152 and 154 which are mounted between nozzle pieces 181 and 191. Arepresentative one of these doors 152 is shown in FIG. 34 to include anarcuate door panel 153 and a door hinge 155 having protruding ends. Itshould be appreciated, of course, that second door 191 has an identicalconstruction. Each of doors 152 and 154, when in the mounted state, areresiliently biased into a closed position through the provision of anassociated clip spring, such as clip spring 172 shown in FIG. 35. Moreparticularly, and with reference to door 152, its associated spring 172is placed such that its looped portion 173 is disposed about one leg ofhinge 155. These are then aligned with a shaft hole 183 formed in firstnozzle piece 181 so that when door 152 is mounted as shown in FIG. 33,an upper leg 174 of spring clip 172 rests against face panel 153, whilea lower leg 176 of spring clip 172 rests against an inner surface ofnozzle piece 181. Wall sections 185 and 195 are formed as part of nozzlepieces 181 and 191 to prevent first door 152 from swinging openoutwardly beyond the opened position. Second door 154 is mounted betweennozzle pieces 181 and 191 in a like manner. As such, it can beappreciated that doors 152 and 154 are resiliently biased into theirclosed position, yet permitted to swing into an open position uponcreation of the vacuum effect discussed above with reference to thefirst exemplary embodiment for the insect collection device 10 of thepresent invention. Target insects are then drawn into collection region125 where they are maintained between partition screen 138 and the trapdoors. As may also be seen in various ones of the figures for thissecond exemplary embodiment for the insect collection device 110, nozzle180 has internal threads 186 and 196 formed on its nozzle pieces 181 and191. This allows a user, if desired, to threadedly attach acorrespondingly threaded vessel within which the captured insect(s) aredrawn and then trapped by replacing nozzle 180 with an appropriateclosure cap.

[0086] A third exemplary embodiment of an insect collection deviceaccording to the present invention is shown in FIG. 37. As before, thediscussion of insect collection device 210 will be confined to thoseportions which differ from embodiments discussed hereinabove. In insectcollection device 210, that portion of primary housing section 220 whichis upstream of trigger guard 219 has simply a tubular construction 222which is telescopically received within first tubular section 230. FIG.37 also shows second tubular section telescopically received withinfirst tubular section 230, as discussed above. Here, however, acollection vessel 270 has its neck 272 threadedly attached to thetubular portion 286 of nozzle 280. Vessel 270 has an open bottom and aninserted mesh screen 238 as described with reference to the firstembodiment. The interior of vessel 270, thus, provides the confinedcollection region for the insects, thereby eliminating the need for thescreen mount assembly discussed above with reference to the secondexemplary embodiment.

[0087] In FIG. 38, a fourth exemplary embodiment of the insectcollection device of the present invention is shown. Here, insectcollection device 310 has its primary housing section 320 joined totubular section 330 by a coupler 324 which surrounds an upstream endportion of primary housing section 320 and a downstream end portion oftubular section 330. Necessarily, then, coupler 324 has opposed openingswithin which primary housing section 320 and tubular section 330 may beinserted in a close-fitting, mated engagement. In a similar manner, anupstream end collar 380 telescopically receives an upstream end portion330 and mounts the trap doors of movable closure 350 in a manner such asthat discussed above with reference to the second exemplary embodiment.Also shown in this fourth exemplary embodiment is a mesh screen 338which is formed by integrally molding tubular section 330 so that it isprovided with a tapering basket weave section from which extends a prong340 which supports a wick 370 that can be coated in any appropriatemanner with insecticide to exterminate captured insects.

[0088] Accordingly, the present invention has been described with somedegree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the presentinvention is defined by the following claims construed in light of theprior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention without departing from theinventive concepts contained herein.

I claim:
 1. An insect collection device, comprising: (a) a compressionchamber movable between an uncompressed position and a compressedposition; (b) an elongated housing extending from said compressionchamber a selected distance to terminate in a free end to define ahousing interior; (c) a partition separating said housing interior intoan upstream region, that proximate to said free end and non-adhering toinsects, and a downstream region proximate to said compression chamber,said partition constructed to permit airflow between said upstream anddownstream regions while impeding passage of insects therebetween; and(d) a movable closure disposed on a free end portion of said housing andoperative to move between a first position to hinder access to saidupstream region from said free end and a second position to create anentryway into said upstream region from said free end, said movableclosure being biased into the first position and adapted upon movementof said compression from the uncompressed position to the compressedposition to remain biased into the first position, and wherein saidmovable closure is urged into the second position upon actuation of saidcompression chamber from the compressed position to the uncompressedposition such that insects in a vicinity of said free end are drawn intosaid upstream region for collection.
 2. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said housing is selectively extensible tovary an effective length thereof.
 3. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 2 wherein said housing extends along a centrallongitudinal axis and includes a plurality of tubular housing sectionsthat are matable with one another so that the effective length of saidhousing may be selectively varied.
 4. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 3 wherein a primary housing section is releasablyattached to said compression chamber and is formed by a pair of primaryhousing pieces that are matable with one another.
 5. An insectcollection device according to claim 4 wherein said compression chamberis attached to said primary housing section by a securement clamp.
 6. Aninsect collection device according to claim 3 wherein said movableclosure is disposed on a terminal, upstream one of said tubular housingsections.
 7. An insect collection device according to claim 1 whereinsaid compression chamber is a flexible bellows that is mounted to saidsecond end portion.
 8. An insect collection device according to claim 1wherein said compression chamber is resiliently biased into theuncompressed position.
 9. An insect collection device according to claim1 wherein said movable closure is resiliently biased into the firstposition.
 10. An insect collection device according to claim 9 whereinsaid movable closure is formed by a pair of trap doors that are eachspring biased into a closed position.
 11. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said compression chamber is in fluidcommunication with the downstream region of said housing and isoperative when moved from the uncompressed position to the compressedposition to eject air from said housing interior and to create a vacuumwithin said housing interior when allowed to move from the compressedposition to the uncompressed position.
 12. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 11 including a purge valve associated with saidhousing and operative as said compression chamber moves from theuncompressed position to the compressed position to allow the air toescape from said housing interior.
 13. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 12 wherein said purge valve is movably disposed overan opening formed through said housing.
 14. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said compression chamber is biased into theuncompressed position, and including a triggering assembly operativeupon actuation to engagedly retain said compression chamber in thecompressed position and to selectively disengage from said compressionchamber to allow said compression chamber to move from the compressedposition to the uncompressed position.
 15. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the selected distance between saidcompression chamber and the free end of said housing remains unchangedduring actuation of said compression chamber.
 16. A manually actuatedinsect collection device, comprising: (a) a compression chamber; (b) anelongated housing having a proximal end joined to said compressionchamber and extending from said proximal end a selected distance toterminate in a distal end thereby to define a housing interior; (c) apartition disposed within said housing between said proximal and distalends to separate said housing interior into an upstream region, that isadjacent to said distal end and non-adhering to insects, and adownstream region adjacent to said proximal end, said partitionconstructed to permit airflow between said upstream and downstreamdistal regions while impeding passage of insects therebetween; (d) amovable closure disposed on a distal end portion of said housing andoperative to move between an open orientation to create an entryway intosaid upstream region from said distal end and a closed orientation tohinder access to said upstream region from said distal end, wherein saidcompression chamber is operative upon actuation to move from anuncompressed position to a compressed position to eject air from saidcollection device at a location other than through said distal end, andoperative when allowed to return to the uncompressed position from thecompressed position to create a vacuum within said housing interior andurge said closure to move into the open orientation so that insects in avicinity of said distal end are drawn into said upstream region forcollection, with said housing being immovable during actuation of saidcompression chamber from the uncompressed position to the compressedposition; and (e) a triggering assembly coupled to said compressionchamber and operative when placed in an engaged state to retain saidcompression chamber in the compressed position, said triggering assemblyfurther operative when moved from the engaged state to a disengagedstate to allow said compression chamber to return to the uncompressedposition.
 17. An insect collection device according to claim 16 whereinsaid triggering assembly includes a plunger shaft movable with saidcompression chamber between a retracted position when said compressionchamber is in the uncompressed position and an armed position when saidcompression chamber is in the compressed position, and wherein saidtriggering assembly further includes a trigger switch operative toengagedly retain said plunger shaft in the armed position, thereby todefine the engaged state for said triggering assembly, and to releasefrom said plunger shaft to allow said plunger shaft to move from thearmed position to the retracted position, thereby to define thedisengaged state for said triggering assembly.
 18. An insect collectiondevice according to claim 17 including a trigger guard projecting awayfrom said housing on opposite sides of said trigger button.
 19. Aninsect collection device according to claim 17 wherein said plungershaft has a proximal end connected to a butt end of said compressionchamber and extends from said proximal end into the housing interior toterminate at a distal end, and including a notch formed in said plungershaft between said proximal end and said distal end, said trigger switchbeing resiliently biased into engagement with said notch when saidplunger shaft is in the armed position.
 20. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 16 wherein said compression chamber is resilientlybiased into the uncompressed position and said movable closure isresiliently biased into the closed position, yet urged into the openposition as said compression chamber is returned to the uncompressedposition from the compressed position.
 21. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 20 wherein said movable closure remains in the closedposition as said compression chamber moves from the uncompressedposition to the compressed position.
 22. An insect collection deviceaccording to claim 16 wherein, as said compression chamber moves fromthe uncompressed position to the compressed position, air is ejectedthough a purge valve that is movably disposed on a sidewall of saidhousing between said proximal end and said distal end.
 23. An insectcollection device according to claim 16 wherein said housing extendsalong a central longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of tubularhousing sections that are selectively matable with one another so thatan effective length of said housing may be varied.
 24. An insectcollection device, comprising: (a). a tubular housing having a housingsidewall which extends along a longitudinal axis from a downstream endto terminate at an upstream end to surround a housing interior, saidhousing sidewall having a purge port formed therethrough; (b). ancollection member releasably disposed on an upstream end portion of saidhousing, said collection member including: (i). a collection tubeadapted to attach to said upstream end and having an outer surroundingcollection tube sidewall which surrounds a collection region, whereinthe collection tube sidewall is non-adhering to insects in thecollection region; (ii). a partition disposed within said collectiontube and extending between opposed sidewall portions thereof, saidpartition adapted to permit airflow between said collection region andsaid housing interior while impeding the passage of insectstherebetween; and (iii). a closure disposed on an upstream end of saidcollection tube and movable between an open orientation whereby insectscan be drawn into said collection region and a closed orientation toprohibit insects from entering into said collection region, said closurebeing biased into the closed orientation; and (c). a compression chamberdisposed on a downstream end portion of said housing in fluidcommunication with said housing interior, said compression chamberoperative when moved from an uncompressed position to a compressedposition to eject air through said purge port, and operative whenallowed to return to the uncompressed position from the compressedposition to create a vacuum within said housing interior and urge saidclosure into the open orientation thereby to cause insects in a vicinityof said closure to be drawn into said collection region and be trappedtherein as said closure returns to the closed orientation.
 25. An insectcollection device according to claim 24 wherein at least a portion ofsaid collection tube is transparent to allow for viewing of insectstrapped therein.
 26. An insect collection device according to claim 24wherein said collection tube has a circumferential groove formed thereinand wherein said partition is a screen mesh seated against said groove.27. An insect collection device according to claim 26 wherein saidscreen mesh tapers in the upstream direction toward a centrallongitudinal axis of said collection tube.
 28. An insect collectiondevice according to claim 24 wherein said closure includes an annularring sized and adapted to fit over said collection tube, and a pluralityof closure flaps each having an attached portion secured to a webbingand a free portion to allow said closure flaps to swing about saidattached portion as said compression chamber moves from the compressedposition to the uncompressed position.